HF4691

Purpose

• The bill would allow certain people to use motorized waterfowl boats in wildlife management areas during the waterfowl hunting season.
• It amends Minnesota law to create a new allowance and to align state rules with federal regulations for related areas.

Main Provisions

• Adds a new subdivision (3a) to Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 97A.133 titled “Motorized waterfowl boats within wildlife management areas.”
• Under this subdivision, a person may use a motorized waterfowl boat during the waterfowl hunting season in a wildlife management area if:
  • The person is age 65 or older, and
  • The person is in compliance with section 97B.805.
• The eligible wildlife management areas are those located south of U.S. Highway 10, from the west boundary of the state to the east boundary of the state.
• The bill directs the state to notify the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) of the ability to use motorized waterfowl boats in WMAs under this subdivision and to request that federal regulations for waterfowl production areas be modified to allow similar use.

Geographic Scope

• Applies only to wildlife management areas located south of U.S. Highway 10, within the state’s boundaries.

Eligibility and Compliance

• Target group: individuals age 65 and over.
• Must be in compliance with Minnesota Statutes section 97B.805 (specific rules that apply to the permit or activity).

Coordination with Federal Regulation

• The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) must notify USFWS about this change and request adjustments to federal rules for waterfowl production areas to permit similar use of motorized waterfowl boats.

Significance and Changes to Law

• Creates a new allowance (Subdivision 3a) enabling motorized waterfowl boats in WMAs under specified conditions.
• Establishes a process to coordinate with federal authorities to modify applicable federal regulations for related federal areas.
• Places spatial and demographic limits ( south of US-10, age 65+, during waterfowl hunting season).

Practical Implications

• Provides expanded access to motorized waterfowl boat use for seniors in southern WMAs during hunting season.
• Maintains alignment with existing state regulations (via 97B.805) and seeks parallel changes at the federal level for waterfowl production areas.
• Could prompt changes in how wildlife management areas are used during hunting seasons and how the DNR interfaces with federal agencies.

Relevant Terms - motorized waterfowl boat - wildlife management area (WMA) - waterfowl hunting season - Minnesota Statutes 97A.133 - subdivision 3a - age 65 or older - section 97B.805 - U.S. Highway 10 (US-10) - south of U.S. Highway 10 - Department of Natural Resources (DNR) - United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) - waterfowl production areas - federal regulations - coordination/notification to federal authorities